Multipurpose advertisement device

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a multipurpose advertisement device, with a carrier frame ( 1 ) comprising one or more border parts ( 2, 2 ′) with an information carrying outer surface ( 2   c ) and with a primary information carrying means ( 4 ) for the displaying of characters and/or figures and/or other symbols for attracting attention. The primary information carrying means ( 4 ) have magnetic first connecting means ( 4   a ). Within the device there is a movable, rotating second connecting means ( 5   b ), with an attracting magnetic force between the first and second connecting means ( 4   a ,  5   b ). The primary information carrying means ( 4 ) is movably positioned on the outer surface ( 2   a ) of the device, and the second connecting means ( 5   b ) is positioned within the device in the proximity of the first connecting means ( 4   a ). The magnetic force is great enough for the primary information carrying means ( 4 ) to be attached to the surface of the information carrying outer surface ( 2   c ) of the carrier frame ( 1 ) and to be kept in place only by the attracting magnetic force acting between the first connecting means ( 4 ) and the second connecting means ( 5   b ) and by the frictional forces arising from said magnetic force.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns a multipurpose advertisement device,especially an advertisement device having a relatively large informationcarrying surface, and a mobile element for the purpose of attractingattention to the advertisement device, and therewith to theadvertisement on the information carrying surface. The mobile element iskept in motion through magnets, with a magnetic first connection elementcontained in the mobile element, and a magnetic second connection meansattached to a drive mechanism contained within the device, with magneticattraction between the first and second connection mean.

BACKGROUND ART

Advertisement devices attracting the attention of consumers havecontinually grown in importance with the steady growth of products andservices available. Certain types of advertisement devices have aninformation carrying or conveying surface. Typical examples are posters,billboards and similar items. Other types of advertisement devices arecommon everyday objects, like pens and key-holders, which attract theattention of consumers when in use. Known examples of theseadvertisement devices are disclosed in the Hungarian patentspecifications HU 209.348 or HU 202.329.

Some of the advertisement devices are exhibited at publicly accessiblelocations, but many others appear in the workplace, shops, warehouses,or even at home. A common drawback of most devices is that they servemerely to display a static structure or assembly, together with theinformation they intend to convey to the public. Because of their staticstructure, they do not attract enough attention, quickly lose theirnovelty, and fade into their surroundings. These devices do notdistribute the information efficiently. Hence, their advertisingpotential is not reached. To overcome this disadvantage, it has beenproposed to use different sorts of moving means to combine thedistributed information with motion. Moving images and objects are muchmore likely to attract the attention of otherwise inattentive people, sothese devices are more efficient as advertisement means. Suchpoint-of-sale advertising devices with moving objects sometimes serve toattract attention only, without having an information conveying surface.Examples of advertisement devices incorporating such moving means areknown from, among others, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,486 (Belokin et al.)patent specification. Another moving advertising display device usingmagnets is described in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,190 (Leo) patentspecification. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,642 (Chatten) teaches adrive mechanism for an advertising display or the like. The drivemechanism incorporates a quartz movement lo mechanism with a magnetattached to the stem of the clock movement. A counterpart magnet isattached to a rotatable display structure. The magnets are situatedsufficiently close to one another so that rotation of the stem istransferred to the display structure. The rotatable structures disclosedby Chatten work only with a vertical axis of rotation, so the plane ofrotation is horizontal. These structures are not applicable wheretraditional vertical advertising surfaces, as e. g. posters orbillboards are used. Further, the rotating structures of Chatten arerotating in a totally predictable manner, and thereby quickly lose theirnovelty. From the U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,117 (Yonezawa), a magnetic forceguided travelling toy, i.e. a magnetic car is known. The car is equippedwith a magnet, which serves to keep the car on a predetermined pathhaving magnetic material embedded in it. This document does not teachhow to use the car as an advertising object. Also, the car is unable tofollow a random route, because the embedded magnetic path determines theroute that the magnetic car should follow. Further, this known solutiondoes not indicate or teach the use of a strongly tilted or verticalsurface for the magnetic car. Therefore, this solution can not be usedin combination with traditional vertical advertising surfaces either.

While the known moving display devices show improved ability to attractconsumer attention, they require relatively bulky housing for thedriving mechanism. As a result, the very effect of the movement itselfwill not appear surprising, because the observers can relatively easilyidentify or imagine the driving mechanism which causes the movement.Hence, these known moving advertisement devices will quickly lose theattention which they managed to generate in the observers. Therefore, itis an object of the present invention to create a multipurposeadvertisement device, which overcomes the drawbacks of the knownadvertisement devices comprising a moving part or element, and whichprovides a moving element capable of moving in a random manner on avertical or strongly tilted advertising surface. Specifically, it is anobject of the invention to create an advertisement device that has amoving object to attract the interest of the public, and where themovement of the moving object is experienced as very unusual andsurprising by the observing persons. Also, it is an object of theinvention to provide an advertisement device that is easy tomanufacture, provides ample advertisement surface, and that may be usedin a variety of environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a multipurpose advertisement device, witha carrier frame comprising one or more border parts, the border partshaving an information carrying outer surface, with a mobile primaryinformation carrying means for the displaying of characters and/orfigures and/or other symbols for attracting attention, said primaryinformation carrying means movably positioned on at least a part of theinformation carrying outer surface of the border parts, wherein theprimary information carrying means is provided with first connectingmeans, and further the carrier frame is comprising an inner volume, saidinner volume encompassing moving means, power connector means forconnecting the moving means to a power source, said moving meanscomprising one or more transfer means, the transfer means comprising atleast one flat disc and at least one second connecting means, with asufficient attracting magnetic force between the said first and secondconnecting means to keep the primary information carrying means attachedto the surface of the information carrying outer surface of the carrierframe in a stable manner. According to the invention, the transfer meansfurther comprises at least one, flat part being relatively displaceableto the flat disc, and each of the flat parts comprising one or moresecond connecting means, where the movement of the flat part isdetermined by the frictional forces acting on the flat part. By theexpression “in a stable manner” it is indicated that the magnetic forceitself is enough to hold the primary information carrying means againstthe outer surface of the border part, and no other means are needed tosecure to the border part the primary information carrying means and toprevent it from falling down, in any position of the border part. Withother words, the primary information carrying means is kept in placeonly by the attracting magnetic force acting between the firstconnecting means and the second connecting means and by the reactionand/or frictional forces resulting from the magnetic force. As a result,the primary information carrying means is always resting against thesecondary information carrying outer surface, and by moving the secondconnection means around behind the secondary information conveyingsurface, the primary information carrying means will follow thismovement, attracting attention to itself and the secondary informationcarrying outer surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the information carrying surface with theprimary information carrying means is inclined to the horizontal with anangle of 0-120 degrees. This will add to the surprising effect caused bythe movement of the primary information carrying means. Advantageously,the carrier frame of the multipurpose advertisement device comprises twoborder parts, the ratio of the distance between the outer side of theborder parts measured in cm to the total outer surface of the borderparts measured in cm2 is not greater than 1:2000. In an especiallypreferred embodiment, the carrier frame is provided with one or moreframe elements connected to the border parts, and at least one frameelement is provided with a hidden compartment communicating with theinner volume, and the power source and/or power connector means and/oran electric motor of the moving means is positioned in the hiddencompartment. In effect, such a flat construction with no apparent innermechanism have proved to be highly puzzling to the observers, andimproved the overall appearance of the multipurpose advertisementdevice. The surprising impression is improved, if at least part of theborder parts are mirror plates. With the mirror plates it is even moreclear that there is no visible connection between the primaryinformation carrying means and the carrier frame.

Advantageously, the primary information carrying means is supported byat least three support means, preferably wheels, and/or glidingelements, and the primary information carrying means is rolling and/orgliding on the information carrying outer surface of the carrier frameon said support means. In a certain embodiment, it is preferred that thesupport means of the primary information carrying means are comprisingat least one support means having a supporting surface with increasedfrictional coefficient and at least one support means having asupporting surface with a reduced frictional coefficient. It is alsopreferred that the second connection means is attached in a radialdirection to the transfer means and/or to the flat part. Thiscombination improves the driving properties of the toy car acting as theprimary information carrying means. It must be stressed, however, thatthe invention is not limited to toy cars or similar vehicles as primaryinformation carrying means, but a multitude of other embodiments may beused. As an alternative to the toy car, the advertised product itself ora characteristic part thereof, or any suitable object may be used formoving around on the information carrying surface of the border part.

In another preferred embodiment, the transfer means comprises at leastone flat disc, the flat disc being connected through mechanical driveunit, preferably belt drive, friction drive, cogwheel drive orcombination of these to the electric motor of the moving means. Thisallows a practical flat construction. Advantageously, the transfer meansis provided with two or more second connecting means, and at least twoof the second connecting means is connected to the transfer means in amanner permitting their displacement relative to each other. It is alsosuggested that the power connecting means are provided with means forrandomly or periodically changing the direction and/or speed of therotation of the electric motor. Thereby random movement of severalprimary information carrying means is possible. The random movement isfurther enhanced if the second flat part is pressed towards the flatdisc by the magnetic attraction force acting between the first andsecond connection means, and the movement of the second flat part isdetermined by the frictional forces arising from the pressing towardsthe flat disc.

In a further preferred embodiment, the multipurpose advertisement deviceof the invention comprises at least two hanger means made ofelectrically conducting material, the hanger means being connected tothe connecting wires placed in the inner volume of the carrier frameand/or the hidden compartment of the frame element. Thereby the powersource need not be hidden in the device itself, and the construction maybe even more flat.

Specifically, to reduce the friction arising between the flat disc andthe border part. it is suggested that there is provided a mesh linerbetween the inner surface of the border part and the transfer meansand/or the flat part, the mesh liner preferably containing lubricatingmaterial. The invention also relates to an improved multipurposeadvertisement device, with a similar structure to the above describeddevice, wherein the primary information carrying means is providedsupport means, preferably wheels and/or gliding elements. According tothe invention, the support means of the primary information carryingmeans comprises at least one supporting surface with increasedfrictional coefficient and at least one supporting surface with areduced frictional coefficient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

By way of example only, an embodiment of the invention will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which

FIG. 1. is a front view of the multipurpose advertisement deviceaccording to the invention, partly broken out,

FIG. 2 is cross section taken along the line II of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3. is a schematic of the electric circuit of the multipurposeadvertisement device of the invention,

FIG. 4. is a back view of another embodiment of the multipurposeadvertisement device of the invention, partly broken out,

FIG. 5. shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of themultipurpose advertisement device,

FIG. 6A. is a back view of the third embodiment of the multipurposeadvertisement device, shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B. is a cross section taken along the line I—I of FIG. 6A,

FIG. 6C. is a cross section taken along the line II—II of FIG. 6A,

FIG. 7. is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the multipurpose advertisement deviceaccording to the invention. There is shown a carrier frame 1, presentlycomprising a frame made of wooden tetragonal frame elements 3, furthercomprising border part 2 positioned on the front surface 1 d of thecarrier frame 1, and further comprising another border part 2′, thelatter fixed on the 1 e back surface (not shown in FIG. 1) of thecarrier frame 1, the frame elements 3 and border parts 2 and 2′enclosing the inner volume 1 a in the present invention. It must bestressed that the carrier frame 1 is positioned here so that the borderpart 2 is substantially vertical, i. e. the angle α to the horizontal is90 degrees.

On the outer side 2 a of the border part 2 there is an informationconveying surface 2 c with fixedly positioned secondary informationcarrying means 2 d, and the primary information carrying means 4comprising a first connection means 4 a is positioned in a movablemanner.

The inner volume 1 a of the carrier frame 1 encloses a moving means 5, apower source 6 and the power connecting means 7. The moving means 5comprises an electric motor 5 c, the disc-shaped transfer means 5 a, themechanical drive means 5 e presently belt drive—for realising drivingconnection between the axle 5 d of the electric motor 5 c and thetransfer means 5 a, and the second connection means 5 b. With thisembodiment, the 5 c electric motor, the power source 6 and the powerconnecting means 7 are placed in the hidden compartment 3 a formed inone of the wooden frame elements 3 of the carrier frame 1.

FIG. 1. shows also that the power connecting means 7 comprisesconnecting wires 7 a, control switch 7 b and the starter module 7 c. Theconnecting wires 7 a are connecting the electric motor 5 c and theassociated power source 6 in a manner so that the control switch 7 b,which is capable of breaking the electrically conducting connectionbetween the electric motor 5 c and the power source 6 is placed betweenthe two latter. The control switch 7 b may have other controlling tasksassigned to it, e. g. the random change of the polarity of the voltageprovided by the power source 6. Of course, the power source 6 itself mayperform the same function. Control switch 7 b is turned on—or off—by thestarter module 7 c, which, in order to be accessible, is at least partlyextending from the inner volume 1 a of the carrier frame 1, or in thepresent embodiment from the hidden compartment 3 a supplementing theinner volume 1 a. In order to hide the role of the starter module 7 c,it is advantageously camouflaged, e.g. by forming its end extending fromthe hidden compartment 1 a like a hanger, and thus making the impressionthat its role is the suspending of the multipurpose advertisementdevice.

The actual suspension of the shown embodiment of the multipurposeadvertisement device is performed by the securing means 1 b and 1 cwhich are positioned partly in the inner volume 1 a of the carrier frame1 (in the current embodiment in the hidden compartment 3 a of the frameelement 3) and partly outside the carrier frame 1.

In FIG. 2, the relation between the primary information carrying means 4and the transfer means 5 a of the moving means 5 is shown. As mentionedabove, the first connection means 4 should be placed on the outer side 2a of the border part 2 in a manner so that the first connection means 4should be able to move easily with minimal resistance or friction. Inorder to achieve as little friction as possible, in this preferredembodiment the first connection means 4 is a car 4 b provided withrollers 4 c, e.g. with wheels, and within the car 4 b is placed thefirst connection means 4 a, which is preferably a permanent magnet. Thisembodiment has the further advantage that in a surprising manner the car4 b appear to have an engine, which is driving it around.

As seen in FIG. 2., the second connection means 5 b is placed on theside of transfer means 5 a which is looking toward the inner side 2 b ofthe border part 2, close to the inner side 2 b of the border part 2.Accordingly, the first connection means 4 should be placed on the outerside 2 a of border part 2 so that the first connection means 4 a isexactly above the second connection means 5 b.

Concerning first connection means 4 a and second connection means 5 b,it is irrelevant which means is establishing the magnetic field andwhich means is being attracted in the magnetic field. However, the mosteffective combination is when both means are permanent magnets, butother combinations are also possible. The only demand is that the firstconnection means 4 a and second connection means 5 b couple shouldattract each other with sufficient force, and thus establish thenecessary forced connection even through the border part 2 for keepingthe first connection means 4 a, and together with it the firstconnection means 4 on the vertical outer side 2 a of the border part 2,and even while the first connection means 4 a is moving.

It is also contemplated that the second connection means 5 b and thetransfer means 5 a is an electromagnet or other electric winding, or aflat stator of an electric motor, or other known construction forcreating moving magnetic field.

It is also apparent from FIG. 2. that the inner volume 1 a enclosed bythe border part 2 on the front face 1 d of the carrier frame 1 and theborder part 2′ on the back face 1 e of the carrier frame 1 is verynarrow. In the present embodiment, the ratio between the distance Tbetween the outer side 2 a of the border parts 2 and 2′ measured in cm,and the total area A of the outer side 2 a of the border parts 2 and 2′measured in cm is not greater than 1:2000. Hence, the border parts 2 and2′ are very close to each other, and thus appear to be one solid body.This surprising effect is further enhanced by making the border parts 2and 2′ of mirror plates, because with this the overall appearance of thedevice is even more startling.

In its appearance, the embodiment of the multipurpose advertisementdevice shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. is a wall mirror, the carrier frame 1 ofwhich is made of the double-sided mirror of the border parts 2 and 2′and wooden frame element 3, surrounding the double-sided mirror. On theouter side 2 a of at least one of the border parts 2 and 2′ there is oneor more small-sized primary information carrying means 4, whose firstconnection means 4 a, in co-operation with the second connection means 5b in the inner volume 1 a of the carrier frame 1, presses the firstconnection means 4 to the outer side 2 a of the border part 2 with theforce resulting from the magnetic interaction, and does not allow thefirst connection means 4 to fall off the outer side 2 a.

When using the multipurpose advertisement device according to theinvention, the carrier frame 1 is suspended with the help of the fixingmeans 1 b and 1 c on the desired location, and the starting module 7 cis inserted into the carrier frame 1, in the present embodiment into theframe element 3, and with this the control switch 7 b is tripped over tothe activated state. In an alternative embodiment, the starting module 7c or the control switch 7 b may be used for regulating the directionand/or the speed of the rotation of the electric motor 5 c, through aknown control circuit (not shown). The control switch 7 b will close theelectric circuit, and the electric power will arrive at the electricmotor 5 c via the connecting wires 7 a. As a result, the electric motor5 c will start, and will set in motion through its rotating axle 5 d themechanical drive 5 e—here realised as belt 5 i—, which latter willrotate the transfer means 5 a of the moving means 5. The secondconnection means 5 b will rotate together with the transfer means 5 a,and due to the attraction force resulting from the magnetic interaction,the first connection means 4 a and the attached first connection means 4will rotate along on the outer side 2 a of the border part 2, togetherwith the second connection means 5 b.

The multipurpose advertisement device of the invention may be realisedin a multitude of embodiments, both with regard to the number, shape,size of the primary information carrying means 4, and with regard to thecreation of the magnetic field to establish the forced connectionbetween the first connection means 4 a and the second connection means 5b.

It is important, however, that the generated magnetic force should begreater than the gravitational force of the primary information carryingmeans 4. Also, the torque exerted on the primary information carryingmeans 4 by the magnetic force and the reaction and/or friction forcesbetween the primary information carrying means 4 and the informationconveying surface 2 c should be greater than the torque of thegravitational force. This last condition is important, in order for thefirst connection means 4 not only to remain attached to the informationcarrying outer surface of the multipurpose advertisement device, but tostay there in proper position, imitating real driving or other movementof the primary information carrying means 4. It is appreciated that thedevice of the invention also would function properly if the frictionalforces between the primary information carrying means 4 and the borderpart 2 were zero. However, in some embodiments a little friction isdesirable, to add the illusion of real driving to the movements of theprimary information carrying means 4.

Using suitable electromagnets and electronics it is also possible toposition those in the inner volume 1 a between the border parts 2 and2′, or in the hidden compartment 3 a of the frame elements 3. It must benoted that the magnetic attraction force between the first connectionmeans 4 a and the second connection means 5 b must be tuned ratherprecisely. Firstly, the attraction force must be sufficient to keep thefirst connection means 4 pressed towards the outer side 2 a of theborder part 2 in any position, particularly in a vertical position.Secondly, the attraction force must not exceed this necessary force verymuch, because in this case the flat disc 5 f will be pressed toostrongly towards the border part 2, and the friction between them willbe too high to overcome for a relatively weak electric motor 5 c.

It is also obvious for a person skilled in the art that the overall sizeof the multipurpose advertisement device of the invention is notlimited, and open-air versions are also possible.

FIG. 3. shows a detail of a further embodiment of the multipurposeadvertisement device, where the power source 6 is located outside thecarrier frame 1, separated physically from the latter. The supply ofelectric energy to the electric motor 5 c is made as follows:

The fixing means 1 b and 1 c used for suspending the carrier frame 1 arefunctioning as electric connectors as well, so these must be made ofelectrically conducting material. The fixing means 1 b is connecteddirectly to the electric motor 5 c, while the fixing means 1 c isconnected to the electric motor 5 c with the connecting wires 7 athrough the control switch 7 b.

Connecting the power source 6 to the fixing means 1 b and 1 c via theconnectors 8, the power source 6, the control switch 7 b and theelectric motor 5 c will form one circuit, and the supply of electricenergy to the electric motor 5 c will be possible. It must be noted thatin this case, if the multipurpose advertisement device is exhibited inan easily accessible space, the power source 6 must have a low operatingvoltage, in order to avoid any accidents.

It is also straightforward that the border part 2 need not have a planarsurface, but may be provided with other forms as well. The movement ofthe first connection means 4 need not follow a circular path either, butmay be guided along a non-circular path. Of course, in this case thetransfer means 5 a and the affixed second connecting means 5 b mustfollow the particular surface and path of the border part 2. If the 5moving, means and the transfer means 5 a is not made as a mechanicalconstruction, but comprises a chain of electromagnets, or the stator ofa flat electric motor, than this latter condition is easily fulfilled.

FIG. 4. shows a further embodiment of the multipurpose advertisementdevice, where the transfer means 5 a are constructed using a flat disc 5f and further using the flat part 5 g, which may be displaced relativeto each other. The flat disc 5 f and the flat part 5 g are all equippedwith a second connection means 5 b. In this case the flat part 5 g isrealised as a flat disc itself, with its axis of rotation positionedsomewhat eccentric to the axis of the flat disc 5 f.

For better understanding of its structure, FIG. 4. shows themulti-purpose advertisement device from the back side, with the backborder part 2′ partly taken away. With this embodiment, the two parallelborder parts 2 are interconnected with the vertical frame elements 3.The two border parts 2 are made of thin mirror plates, and are inclinedwith an angle α of 90 degrees to the horizontal. There is a hiddencompartment 3 a in each frame element 3, and there is an electric motor5 c in both frame elements 3 in the hidden compartments. On the axle 5 dof the electric motors 5 c there are mechanical drive means 5 e, hereconstructed as friction discs. The mechanical drive means 5 e are in adriving connection with the flat disc 5 f, because the flat disc 5 f ispressing against the mechanical drive means 5 e under its own weight.The friction discs of the mechanical drive means 5 e and the flat disc 5f have a relatively large friction coefficient, enough to rotate theflat disc 5 f with friction drive.

The second, smaller and disc shaped flat part 5 g is attached in arotating, but eccentric manner to the flat disc 5 f having a largerdiameter. Both the flat disc 5 f and the flat part 5 g is equipped withat least one second connection means 5 b, which are each holding a firstconnection means 4 a to the outer side 2 a of the border part (not shownin FIG. 4.) from the front face 1 d of the carrier frame 1, under theinfluence of the magnetic attraction described earlier. The moving ofthe first connection means 4 is effected with the activating of theelectric motors 5 c.

When rotating the first flat disc 5 f, the second flat part 5 g willrotate as well, due to the friction force caused by the adhesion betweenthem, but the rotation of the flat part 5 g will have a differentangular speed. The difference will be further increased by the breakingeffect of the back border part 2′ on the second flat part 5 g. Theoverall result will be that the second connection means 5 b attached tothe flat disc 5f and the flat part 5 g will move on a strange path withchanging speed, both in relation to each other and to the border part 2.The outside observing person will see two cars 4 b as first connectionmeans 4 on the information conveying surface 2 c of the border part 2,the cars 4 b apparently chasing each other on a strange route or path.The multipurpose advertisement device shown on the figures and thetransfer means 5 a may be realised in a very flat construction, and theinner volume 1 a between the border parts 2 and 2′ need not be more thana few mm wide. Providing a more sophisticated controlling circuit tovary the speed and direction of the motors 5 c, the movement of the cars4 b will appear to be fully random. Thus the multipurpose advertisementdevice will prove very effective in attracting attention.

The intriguing nature of the multipurpose advertisement device accordingto the invention is further enhanced, if the multipurpose advertisementdevice is suspended in free space, with its back border part 2′ beingvisible and accessible. The overall appearance of, the multipurposeadvertisement device have proved to be very puzzling to the observers,if the both the front and back border parts 2 and 2′ are made of mirrorglass. A further puzzling effect is achieved, if the border parts 2 and2′ together with the main elements of the transfer means 5 a, as theflat disc 5 a and the flat parts 5 g, are made of transparent orsemi-transparent material, and the multipurpose advertisement device isilluminated from the back. In this latter case the observers willpractically not see the movement mechanism within the carrier frame 1,but: perceive the carrier frame 1 to be transparent (the non-transparentmagnets are always covered by the cars 4 b), so the apparentlyautonomous movement of the cars 4 b will seem even more mysterious. Fora perfect result, the rotating parts could be made of a cleartransparent material, e. g. glass, and the inner volume of the carrierframe could be filled with a liquid having a refractive index equal tothe refractive index of the glass. In certain embodiments, it may bepreferred to cover one or both of the border parts 2 and 2′ with asemi-transparent mirror, i. e. a mirror that is transparent from oneside, but reflecting from the other side. E. g. if the back border part2′ is covered with a layer acting like a semi-transparent mirror, theadvertisement device could be illuminated from the back side (some lightwould pass through the layer even when illuminated from the reflectingside). The viewing persons looking at the device from the front sidewould be able to see through device without seeing the non-transparentparts of driving mechanism —the magnets —, because they would be coveredby the primary information carrying means. This would enhance themysterious nature of the advertisement device. But if someone would tryto look at the device from the back side, the magnets under the primaryinformation carrying means could become visible. Therefore, it isadvantageous to cover the back side with a non-transparent, e. g.reflecting surface, so that the magnets in the driving mechanism wouldbe hidden.

Another preferred embodiment of the multipurpose advertisement deviceaccording to the invention is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 5 to 7.This embodiment shares the basic features with the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1 to 4, except that some small, but essential improvements areadded. The same reference numbers denote the identical parts.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the multipurpose advertisement device inthe preferred embodiment. The lower and upper horizontal frame elements3 have an arching outer contour, so that the outer side 2 a of borderpart 2 may be covered with an arched cover: 11. The arched cover 11 maybe of glass or transparent plastic sheet. The preferred material isplastic, being cheaper and readily formed to the required arching shape.Glass may be used where scratch-resistance is an important concern.Below the arched cover there are several first connection means 4, againin the form of toy cars. Covering the outer surface 2 a of the borderpart 2, the dirt sensitive mechanics of the toy cars and the mirrorsurface on the outer surface 2 a are well protected, and thisconstruction lends itself for outdoor use.

The mechanical construction of this preferred embodiment of themultipurpose advertisement device is explained in detail with referenceto FIGS. 6A to 6C, where FIG. 6A is a back view of the multipurposeadvertisement device, with the border part 2′ taken away. FIG. 6B is across section taken along line I—I of FIG. 6A, showing the constructionof the mechanical drive system, while FIG. 6C is a cross section takenalong: line II—II of FIG. 6A. As seen on the FIGS. 6A-C, similarly tothe embodiment in FIG. 4, the transfer means 5 a include the flat disc 5f, and the flat parts 5 g. The flat disc 5 f is rotated with a beltdrive, the belt 5 i running in the groove 5 h in the perimeter of theflat disc 5 f. Attached to the flat disc 5 f there are two flat parts 5g, but here the flat parts 5 g are not disc-shaped, but elongated. Theflat parts 5 g have their axis of rotation fixed eccentrically to theflat disc 5 f. The eccentric location of the axis of rotation willresult in a seemingly random movement of the primary informationcarrying means 4, if the rotation direction of the flat disc 5 a ischanged randomly or periodically. This latter is effected by anappropriate control circuit (not shown), connected between the powersource 6 and the electric motor 5 c. By fine-tuning the friction betweenthe flat parts 5 g and the flat disc 5 a, an almost perfect randommovement may be achieved.

The function of the axle for the rotation is performed by the discs 13,which may be regarded as very short and very thick axles. Thisconstruction is preferred instead of traditional thinner axles, becausein this manner the axles, i. e. the discs 13 can easily be fastened e.g. by gluing to the flat disc 5 a, while securing mechanically a thinand short axle to the thin sheet of the flat disc 5 a would be verydifficult. The secondary connecting means 5 b are here made ofelongated, flat plates of permanent magnets attached to the flat parts 5g and to the flat disc 5 a. This form of the magnets are preferred, ascompared to the round magnets shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, because theelongated magnets may be flatter, and further the elongated magnets witha similar elongated magnetic counterpart serving as first connectionmeans 4 a are better for keeping the cars 4 b in a stable direction.This enhances the illusion that the cars 4 b are driving around with thehelp of their own engines and wheels. When round magnets are used, thecars 4 b tend to move in a more erratic manner. On the other hand, roundmagnets are needed with the magnetic axis perpendicular to the plane ofthe movement, if the cars 4 b have to change their direction very often,e.g. because the flat disc 5 f is randomly rotating and often changesrotating direction. In this case the natural movement of the cars 4 b isfurther improved if the front wheels have lower friction resistanceagainst side movement, while the rear wheels are only allowed to rollforwards or backwards. E. g. the front wheels may have a harder plasticcover, which allows the gliding or skidding to the side if the car 4 bis forced to take a turn. The rear wheels may have a soft rubber tyre,which do not allow the swinging of the rear part to the sides. It mustbe noted that the primary information carrying means 4 need not haverolling wheels at all, but may be equipped with gliding supports orother functionally similar support means as well. In some embodimentsthis solution may be preferred to the wheels, because plastic glidingsupports move more quietly, while rolling plastic wheels may generate aslight noise. For best results, the magnetic axis of the elongatedmagnet constituting the first connection means 4 a in the car 4 b ispositioned perpendicularly to the length of the car 4 b and parallel tothe plane of the movement, between the front and rear wheels,approximately in the middle between the front and back wheels. Themagnetic axis of the elongated magnet serving as second connecting means5 b on the flat parts 5 g and the flat disc 5 f should be placed in aradial orientation, also parallel to the plane of the movement, with themagnetic poles oriented such that the front part of the cars 4 b shouldbe attracted towards the forward direction of the movement. It must benoted that this configuration of the magnets is recommended if the flatdisc 5 f does not change the direction of rotation while theadvertisement device is switched on.

Generally, the weight of the cars 4 b should be reduced to the extentpossible.

Therefore, it is advantageous to use small, moulded plastic toy cars.

As seen in FIG. 6C, the arched frame element 3 provides ample space fora hidden compartment 3 a, at the same time not being an obvious placefor hiding the electric motor 5 c, where curious observers of themultipurpose advertisement device would look for the driving mechanics.The hidden compartment 3 a is even better camouflaged if the frameelement 3 is made of wood, because a wooden frame is normally regardedas a solid body, without containing cavities. FIG. 7 is an exploded viewof the preferred embodiment of the multipurpose advertisement device,the constituting layers taken apart for better understanding. The coreof the moving means 5 and the transfer means 5 a, the flat disc 5 f andthe flat part 5 g is layered between the back border part 2′ and frontborder part 2. The border parts 2′ and 2 are kept apart by the sideframes 3 b of the carrier frame 1. In order to reduce wear on the flatdisc 5 a and the inner side of the border part 2, which are permanentlypressed towards each other by the first connection means 4 and secondconnection means 5 b, it is advisable to use some sort of lubricant. Butthe large contacting surfaces would result in the sticking together ofthe surfaces, even with a very thin lubricant. Therefore, it has beenfound that inserting a mesh liner 12 between the flat disc 5 f and theborder part 2 eliminates the sticking together of the surfaces, and atthe same time provides the necessary lubrication. The mesh liner 12 maybe of a thin, dense plastic net, available e.g. as mosquito net. Theouter side of the border part 2 and the first connection means 4 thereonare covered and protected by the transparent arched cover 11.

The multipurpose advertisement device according to the invention mayfind use in a variety of environments, for providing information andadvertising space combined with an original, intriguing background thatwill inevitably attract the attention of the public.

What is claimed is:
 1. Multipurpose advertisement device, comprising: acarrier frame, said carrier frame comprising: one or more border partshaving an information carrying outer surface, a mobile primaryinformation carrying means for displaying characters, figures andsymbols for attracting attention, said primary information carryingmeans being movably positioned on at least a part of said informationcarrying outer surface of the border parts, said primary informationcarrying means further being provided with first connection means, saidcarrier frame having an inner volume, said inner volume encompassingmoving means, and power connector means for connecting the moving meansto a power source, said moving means comprising one or more transfermeans, said transfer means comprising at least one flat disc and atleast one second connecting means, with an attracting magnetic forcebetween said first and second connecting means to keep the primaryinformation carrying means attached to the surface of the informationcarrying outer surface frame in a stable manner, in which said transfermeans further comprises at least one flat part, said flat part beingrelatively displaceable with respect to said flat disc, said flat partcomprising at least one of said second connecting means, and whereinmovement of said flat part is determined by frictional forces acting onthe flat part due to said attracting magnetic force between said firstand second connecting means and a relative displacement between saidflat part and said flat disc.
 2. The multipurpose advertisement deviceaccording to claim 1, in which the information carrying surface with theprimary information carrying means is inclined with respect to ahorizontal plane at an angle of 0-120 degrees.
 3. The multipurposeadvertisement device according to claim 1, in which the carrier framecomprises two said border parts, where a ratio of a distance betweenouter sides of the border parts measured in cm to a total area of outersurfaces of the border parts measured in cm² is not greater than 1:2000.4. The multipurpose advertisement device according to claim 1, in whichsaid moving means includes an electric motor, said power connector meanscomprising a control switch and connecting wires, the connecting wiresconnecting the electric motor to the control switch and to the powersource.
 5. The multipurpose advertisement device according to claim 1,in which the carrier frame is provided with one or more frame elementsconnected to the border parts, and at least one of said frame elementsis provided with a hidden compartment communicating with said innervolume, at least one of said power source, said power connector meansand said electric motor of the moving means being positioned in saidhidden compartment.
 6. The multipurpose advertisement device accordingto claim 1, in which at least a part of the border parts are mirrorplates.
 7. The multipurpose advertisement device according to claim 1,in which at least one of the first connecting means and the secondconnecting means is made of permanent magnetic material.
 8. Themultipurpose advertisement device according to claim 1, which saidprimary information carrying means is supported by at least threesupport means.
 9. The multipurpose advertisement device according toclaim 8, in which at least one of said support means is a wheel, and theprimary information carrying means is rollable on the informationcarrying outer surface of the carrier frame on said wheel.
 10. Themultipurpose advertisement device according to claim 8, in which atleast one of said support means is a gliding element, and the primaryinformation carrying means is glidable on the information carrying outersurface of the carrier frame on said gliding element.
 11. Themultipurpose advertisement device according to claim 8, in which said atleast one of the support means of the primary information carrying meanshas a supporting surface with a increased frictional coefficient, and atleast one other of said support means has a supporting surface with areduced frictional coefficient.
 12. The multipurpose advertisementdevice according to claim 4, in which the flat disc is connected by amechanical drive unit, to the electric motor of the moving means. 13.The multipurpose advertisement device according to claim 12, in whichsaid mechanical drive unit comprises a belt drive, a friction drive, acogwheel drive or a combination thereof.
 14. The multipurposeadvertisement device according to claim 1, in which said transfer meansis provided with two or more of said second connecting means, and atleast two of said second connecting means are connected to the transfermeans for displacement relative to each other.
 15. The multipurposeadvertisement device according to claim 14, in which said secondconnection means is connected to the transfer means via an eccentric,rotating connection located on at least one of the flat disc of thetransfer means and said flat part.
 16. The multipurpose advertisementdevice according to claim 4, comprising at least two hanger means madeof electrically conductive material, said hanger means being connectedto said connecting wires.
 17. The multipurpose advertisement deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein said second connecting means is elongatedand is attached in a radial direction to at least one of said transfermeans, said flat disc part.
 18. The multipurpose advertisement deviceaccording to claim 1, in which said power connector means includes meansfor randomly or periodically changing at least one of speed anddirection of rotation of the electric motor.
 19. The multipurposeadvertisement device according to claim 15, in which at least one ofsaid flat discs or said flat part is provided with a third flat disc asa rotating axle.
 20. The multipurpose advertisement device according toclaim 1, comprising a mesh liner between the inner surface of the borderpart and the transfer means.
 21. The multipurpose advertisement deviceaccording to claim 20, in which said mesh liner contains lubricatingmaterial.